Maintaining a sense of self is very important when you are transitioning into motherhood, and one of the ways you can still take some time for yourself is through a hobby. Doing things that you enjoy during pregnancy and after your baby arrives are essential to maintaining positive mental health and avoiding burnout. We’ve compiled a list of easy hobbies that require little cost and are totally safe to pick up during pregnancy:
1: Gardening
Gardening can happen anywhere, even in places where space is limited! Whether it’s a big plot of land, or a small pot of herbs on a windowsill, gardening can bear so much fruit (quite literally). Look up some plants that thrive in your area, or think about what produce you eat or cook with most often.
2: Houseplants
Along a very similar line as gardening is having houseplants. Houseplants are even more low maintenance than a garden, and keeping a couple around helps brighten up a room and bring life into your home. Consider getting different types of plants that suit the type of lighting that your house has.
3: Writing
Sitting down to start writing can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a big commitment. You can look up different writing prompts, and let your imagination run wild. It is a great way to get creative and daydream for a little while.
4: Watercoloring
Watercolors can be so easy because if you mess up, it’s pretty simple to go back and fix it. Go outside and take some paper and paints with you, and start to play around with the colors, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
5: Cooking and Baking
Now, you may want to save this hobby for the second and third trimester, due to the food aversions that may come with the first trimester. Cooking and baking can be a really fun process, depending on your outlook on it. Both can seem like a chore with the wrong attitude. However, if you focus on finding fun, new recipes to try, it may help to make cooking and baking something you look forward to, and even consider a hobby. Plus, you get the reward of good food when you are finished!
6: Reading
Reading can be started any time, and anywhere. All it requires is a book, and a comfortable place to sit. Read what you enjoy. If you don’t know what you enjoy, the classics are a good place to start. If a book has been loved for many years, there is probably a good reason behind it. Don’t be intimidated by trying to finish a book, but rather enjoy each reading session for its own sake.
7: Embroidery
Embroidery can be a hobby that is often overlooked. The tools are not very expensive, and a quick YouTube tutorial can often be enough to get started. This hobby is artistic, calming, but also very functional. Embroidering can be a great way to spice up some clothing items that have been sitting in the back of your closet!
8: Sourdough Bread Baking
Sourdough has become popular in the past couple of years, and for good reason. It’s healthier than a normal loaf of bread, and it’s really fun to make at home. It can take some time to get the hang of, so don’t get discouraged if your first couple of loaves don’t turn out perfect. Keep with it, and soon you will have your very own bakery right at home!
9: Journaling
Similarly to writing, you can start a journal. Journaling is a great way to document your life, or even more specific, document your pregnancy. Include little quirks that you might forget later on, like food aversions or cravings. You can even write letters to your baby for them to read in the future!
10: Nature Walks
Finding new places around you to go for nature walks can be a great way to get some outdoor time. It is also a great way to get some steps in! Going for a walk at your own pace is a great way to clear your mind and keep you active during the later weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a great time to focus on you and to get a sense for hobbies you can enjoy. Find something you love and that helps you relax, whatever it may be. Plus, hobbies are something that you can share with your little one when they arrive, so really hone in on something that you truly enjoy.
Feel free to check out our schedule of ongoing classes at Care Net Milwaukee. Spending time around other women in similar circumstances can give you an opportunity to meet new friends, but also give you other ideas for hobbies you can enjoy for yourself as well!
